Creator God,

We thank you that you are always with us, even in this strange and difficult time.

We pray for each other- for friends we cannot be with, family in different homes, our teachers, frontline workers, people who are unwell and those who look after them. We pray in our sadness as we notice dreams and hopes that, for now, are lost.

In our homes this holiday time, when we are worried, help us to feel your peace. When things go wrong, help us to know that we can always start again. When we feel joy,  may we remember it and let it fill us.

On Good Friday, when so much of our normal lives has been given up, may we be comforted as we remember that Jesus gave everything up for us.

And when we celebrate life and hope on Easter Day, may it sink into our souls and make us happy. Wherever we are, and whatever we face, may we all know God’s love and look forward to a time when we can all be together again.

Amen.

Rev. Lins also sent us this prayer from Pope Francis which gives comfort in this difficult time.

Tonight before falling asleep think about when we will return to the street. When we hug again, when all the shopping together will seem like a party. Let’s think about when the coffees will return to the bar, the small talk, the photos close to each other. We think about when it will be all a memory but normality will seem an unexpected and beautiful gift. We will love everything that has so far seemed futile to us. Every second will be precious. Swims at the sea, the sun until late, sunsets, toasts, laughter. We will go back to laughing together. Strength and courage. See you soon!